Bruce made the transition from an East London state school to St Albans in 1999. An Oxford graduate, he had started out in the city as an investment manager but soon saw the light and entered the teaching profession in order to pass on his passion for mathematics to younger generations. At St Albans School he soon established himself as a fine teacher, using appropriate resources, from dice to a bicycle, while often wearing eye-catching mathematical ties. Bruce was able to teach every aspect of the A level course and, as a contributor to a GCSE textbook, was an expert on the syllabus. As an examiner of both exam scripts and coursework, his advice to the department was invaluable. He took on the responsibility of organising guest speakers, following the inauguration of the Harry Schofield Mathematical Society, and students have been introduced to thought-provoking, whilst entertaining, lectures as a result.
Bruce Balden
He was a Lower School tutor for many years, leading several successful trips to Pen Arthur and organising carol singing in the Maltings as well as cycle rides to raise money for charity. He also organised an annual trip to Bletchley Park for the whole of the Second Form with a subsequent coding competition. Over the years he has given several insightful sermons at Abbey assemblies and was a useful member of the tenor section of the School choir for a number of years. Pupils also benefited from his knowledge and experience of cricket and he arranged annual golf tours, both in this country and in Europe. He is, of course, our own television star, appearing at seven year intervals on the series ’56 Up’ which has given us an insight into his family life as well. Bruce has been an amiable, generous and supportive colleague who will be very much missed. We wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement. JH
David joined us in 2002, teaching and supporting ICT. Despite this being his first teaching position, he rapidly demonstrated his proficiency in the classroom, and became Head of the ICT department after a year in post. David realised his vision for an ICT curriculum grounded in practically-based, nationally recognised qualifications over the next few years, introducing the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), the e-Type touch-typing qualification, and the eSafety certificate, for all pupils. He was also pleased to have the opportunity to teach all three of his sons during their St Albans School careers.
David Richards
An enthusiastic and good-humoured tutor, David consistently showed authentic concern for both the academic success and personal wellbeing of his tutees, particularly in their preparations for their futures. It was therefore unsurprising when, in 2009, he was chosen to take up the mantle as Head of Careers, a role he was especially passionate about. David evolved the careers services within the School, most notably by running regular careers evenings, with presentations from credible businessmen and women, and focusing on such industries as science and engineering, banking and finance, and medicine. He also ran the Morrisby assessment, providing tailored careers and education advice for all Fifth Formers. David contributed substantially to extracurricular activities, leading squash and tennis for many years, along with an annual pre-season tennis and cricket camp to Millfield School in Somerset each Easter. An avid runner, David is retiring to spend more time running and travelling. He has been an encouraging and dynamic Head of Department, and a supportive colleague and friend, and will be greatly missed. We wish him every success and happiness for the future. NSC
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Ins & Outs
The Albanian 2016